Spring Expo 2026: Excellence Takes the Stage

April 22-23, 2026 | Salem Convention Center | Salem, OR

We hope you can join us at next year’s Spring Expo, which will be held April 22-23, 2026 at the Salem Convention Center. Registration will open January 2026.

Parking at the Salem Convention Center can be challenging. Please plan ahead and click here for parking details.

Opening Keynote Speaker

Rolling Out the Red Carpet: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Connections

Every day you direct, support, comfort, and care for people. You’re behind the scenes, making everyone else shine. Yet, everyone – including you – deserves a little star treatment. In this uplifting, laughter-filled keynote, author Donna Cutting invites you to step into your starring role and rediscover the heart of your work: human connection.

Through inspiring stories, heartfelt humor, and insights from her 52 Weeks of Connection experiment, you’ll explore how shared experiences, both with your team and the older adults you serve, create the magic moments that make care feel like home. You’ll learn how to roll out the red carpet for every resident, family member, guest, and co-worker, helping them feel like the stars they truly are.

At the core of senior living is human connection and it’s the one thing that AI and technology can’t replace. While that red carpet in Hollywood is all about branding and big moments, it can also be about those moments of connection that make people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Recognize the power of connection and shared experiences in creating memorable, person-centered care.
  2. Apply the Red-Carpet Way to make every interaction with residents, families, and co-workers feel like a premiere event.
  3. Strengthen team engagement and morale through small, intentional acts of appreciation and celebration.
  4. Turn everyday moments into “red carpet” experiences, where people feel seen, valued, and part of something special.

About the Speaker

Donna Cutting, CSP is the founder and CEO of Red-Carpet Learning Worldwide. She is author of three books on customer service and employee experience and is a nationally recognized speaker who works with mission-driven healthcare organizations across the U.S. Known for her engaging storytelling and practical, people-centered approach, Donna has built a reputation for inspiring leaders and teams to roll out the red carpet in ways that change culture and drive real results. Her experience as an actress sets the stage for her interactive, fun, and enthusiastic style. Through Red-Carpet Learning Worldwide, Donna’s customer service training program are used throughout the United States and in South Africa, Australia, and Spain, helping clients get results such as shorter sales cycles

Education Tracks

Education tracks for Spring Expo include:

  • Activities/Life Enrichment
  • Fire and Life Safety
  • Health Services/Clinical
  • Hot Topics
  • Innovations
  • Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Operational Best Practices
  • Person-Centered Care
  • Quality of Life
  • Rules and Regulations
  • Executives and Emerging Leaders

Education Sessions and CEUs

Audience members will be able to earn up to 8.o CEUs (6.5 memory care credits) for attending the OHCA Spring Expo.

Education session details and descriptions coming soon!

Overnight Accommodations

The Grand Hotel in Salem

201 Liberty Street SE, Salem, OR, 97301
Adjacent to the Salem Convention Center
Online reservation link coming soon
Call: 877:540-7800
Tell the hotel you are with the Oregon Health Care Association Room block to receive a special negotiated room rate.
Reservations must be made by March 22, 2026 to receive special room rates.
Deluxe double queen and deluxe king rooms: $169/night + applicable taxes and service fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view all event FAQs including hotel information, exhibitor details, and more!

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Booths and sponsorships for the 2026 Spring Expo will open on January 1, 2026. A link to purchase booths and sponsorships will be available on this page, or you may contact rward@ohca.com. Please note, Spring Expo booths typically sell out in mid-February. Booth pricing is $1,000 for business partner members and sponsorship pricing varies based on sponsorship.

Save the Date: Annual Convention 2026

Please save the date for the OHCA Annual Convention, taking place September 22-23, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center!